Chardonnay, Estate, Kumeu – 2006
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Introduction
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Auckland, located on New Zealand’s North Island, has the distinction of being the country’s historical birthplace of viticulture and winemaking. Kumeu is a sub-region of Auckland, with a cool, maritime climate influenced by the South Pacific Ocean. Summer temperatures are cool and winter temperatures are comparatively warm, without seasonal extremes: autumn is generally dry and sunny; however, extended cloud cover is not uncommon.
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Vineyard Profile
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Vineyard Region: Kumeu, Auckland, North Island, New Zealand
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Vintage Report
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The 2006 vintage was a delight from budburst to harvest, and the Chardonnays from this year are considered to be the finest Kumeu River has seen. The winery carefully selected only the very best grapes from five vineyard sites for the Estate Chardonnay.
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Vinification
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Whole-bunch pressed
- Fermentation: Indigenous yeast fermentation
- Malolactic: 100% malolactic fermentation
- Barrel Fermentation: 100% barrel fermentation
- Barrel Aging: 11 months barrel aging
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
- Production (in cases): 7,000 cases (12/750ml)
- Cases Imported: 2,000
- Alcohol: 13.5%
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Tasting Notes
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The perfect condition of the grapes and the lovely ripe nature of the vintage meant that this wine saw a little more new oak than usual (25%). The wine from this spectacular vintage is ripe, floral and delicious. The beautiful peach and hazelnut aromas along with the rich silky texture are distinct characteristics of this wine even at this young stage. This is undoubtedly one of the best examples the winery has seen of this wine. It is sheer pleasure to taste and drink and will benefit even further from two to four years in bottle.
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Images
Reviews
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Chardonnay, Estate, Kumeu – 2006 – 91 points – The Tasting Panel
“Smooth and creamy with good acidity and a long, juicy finish; lush and balanced, with pure, focused fruit.”
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Chardonnay, Estate, Kumeu – 2006 – 88 points – Wine Enthusiast
"this wine, blended from several vineyards, boasts great harmony and balance. A touch of creaminess brings an elegant texture to flavors of pear, vanilla, citrus and toasted grain. Crisp and citrusy on the finish..."
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Chardonnay, Estate, Kumeu – 2006 – 90 points – The Wine Advocate
"lovely, Burgundian nose – very minerally with touches of limestone and not a million miles away from a Meursault. The palate is beautifully balanced with that minerally component coming through with touches of limestone and white peach...."
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Chardonnay, Estate, Kumeu – 2006 – 90 points – Wine Spectator
“Generous cedary oak folds gracefully into apricot, peach and lemony pastry cream flavors. Citrusy acidity keeps this fresh with mineral, stone and floral tones accenting the lingering finish.”